Hello everyone. Now I've had many experiences with desktop systems, but Today, I've decided to taskle a new task:

Building a webserver.

Now, I'm guessing someone knows how I'd want to go about this. I'd be running either OpenBSD, or Debian Linux. The computer is a bit older, but all it will do is serve a index page and a message board. Does anyone know of a good way I can go about doing this?

I'm also interested by this questins. I guess that you first need to install a java server, probably apache. maybe installing Jonas withi comes bundles with tomcat should be a nice idea. let's see what experienced people will think about that.
An easier way, of course, will be to use your astahost account...

You need a really good connection, like DSL/Cable 1.0 MBPS or more. Your ISp must let you host a server, some may not allow that. Your server should be at least 1.0 GHZ or more or else it's gonna take forever to load.

OpenBSD would be a good choice if you're afraid of being cracked into, yet you can use Debian Linux.

xboxrulz

ALSO...
Instead of going for Apache, go for a more simple httpd.

my favorite http web server is lighttpd (combination of light and httpd) or just "Lighty".

Its default configureation is minimalist, it supports many apache features, and because of its light weight, its lightning fast.

http://lighttpd.org

I remembered Light httpd, it runs faster than Apache on older computer and it's a better Idea to use it for whoose who doesn't advanced Apache server. Tomcat is NOT Recommended since it will run java to serve jsp which is not probably what you want. You probably want to use PHPBB or IPB for forum so you will need PHP.

if you want to use PHPBB or IPB for forum, you will need PHP and MYSQL for supporting the forum.

check the www.php.net and www.mysql.com. both sides have HOW-TO SETUP manuals.